Roll of Honor
Walter William Leonhardt
Incident
Special Deputy Walter Leonhardt was shot and killed after observing a stolen car while off duty. He identified himself as a deputy and began to talk to the driver. A struggle ensued, and Deputy Leonhardt was fatally wounded by the driver. The 25-year-old driver and a 19-year-old accomplice were arrested and charged with murder. The driver was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. His accomplice was sentenced to five years. The driver's sentence was later commuted to 25 years. He was paroled on December 21, 1940.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OR-947C8B3E- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Special Deputy Sheriff Leonhardt served with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Portland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Deputy Sheriff Leonhardt.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Special Deputy Sheriff Walter William Leonhardt is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In OR, 115 of 197 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58.4% of this state's fallen. That is 4.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, 9 of 10 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 90% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Walter William Leonhardt's cause is highlighted.
How Walter William Leonhardt Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 1940
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Walter William Leonhardt is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Walter William Leonhardt was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Multnomah County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
